British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi made a winning yet unimpressive debut to his career under new promoters with a decision win over Zach Parker in Manchester.
The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level likely gained him a split decision in a competitive ten-round fight at the boxing arena.
But the challenger had his moments, connecting with powerful individual punches in a match where the techniques never quite clicked, with excessive holding marring the fight.
The scoring judges judged it 96-94 to Buatsi, with the final judge a even score.
"It wasn't my greatest showing but what defines champions? They succeed," the victor said in the arena as he was greeted with boos from the crowd.
The Londoner got back to winning after his initial pro loss - an thrilling contest with his previous opponent in February - to claim a twentieth professional win.
Some ringside observers felt Parker, 31, should have been awarded the victory but the contender experienced the second setback of his 28-bout career.
Buatsi Claims Win in Uneventful Match
Buatsi's progress has stalled in recent times through management issues and long spells of inactivity.
Once tipped as the rising talent of UK boxing, he now is positioned trying to realize his potential - perhaps in what feels like a last chance - under fresh management.
He began cautiously, with neither fighter willing to overcommit in a cagey early stages.
The challenger, whose only previous defeat came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in two years ago after suffering a hand injury during the bout, was making just his second appearance at light-heavyweight.
By the fight's midpoint, the underdog had made it competitive, causing problems for the favorite, who utilized a protective stance to edge the better stanzas.
The crowd's patience decreased during constant clinching, with the challenger falling to the floor several times during clinches.
The underdog ended stronger, but many rounds were hard to judge. Nevertheless, former world champion Carl Frampton - providing analysis for the broadcast network - had it strongly leaning for the challenger, scoring for Buatsi just a single round.
Buatsi advances, but with the presence of power puncher Benavidez, and Russian champion Dmitry Bivol ruling the division, the road to world glory - based on this performance - still seems difficult.
Hatton Tribute Inspires All-Manchester Battle
In the co-main event, Arthur overcame Rea by close verdict in a outstanding all-Manchester battle to capture the European light-heavyweight title.
The arena became quiet for a profoundly moving homage before the fight as a bell ceremony rang in honor of local hero Hatton, who succumbed 46 years old in September.
It was the initial significant broadcast match card in the city since Hatton's passing. As the last bell disappeared, the quiet became a roar of "there's just one Ricky Hatton".
The competition during the bout matched the emotion. The eventual winner was sent to the canvas by a powerful punch squarely on the jaw in the initial stage, standing uncertainly to his footing on the count of eight.
But the Manchester United-red equipment of Arthur soon advanced again. On the opposite side, the opponent - in rival City blue - was damaged early, noticeable damage appearing under his face as the pair traded hard punches.
The challenger, twenty-seven, landed power punches but Arthur, thirty-four, matched the intensity with powerful upward punches as the action hardly diminished over 12 rounds.
The victor barely secured the decision with judges scorecards of draw, close margin and clearer margin, but both fighters were persistent and courageous, all the qualities their inspiration the legend embodied.
